disney fan

Disney’s Gondola System – Disney Skyliner

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Disney Fanatic has created an overview of the new gondola transportation system coming to Walt Disney World. It is by no means everything you need to know. The MatureMouse™️ would like to know when the Disney Skyliner will be open. It would also be helpful to know the approximate travel times between stations. And, given the unpredictable Florida weather, how will sudden storms impact the operation of the system?

Are you looking forward to this new transportation system coming to Walt Disney World?

Everything You Need To Know About Disney’s Gondola System – Disney Skyliner
— Read on www.disneyfanatic.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-disneys-gondola-system-disney-skyliner/

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A Stroll Down Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A.

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First-time visitors to the Magic Kingdom are looking forward to experiencing the sights and sounds in the five lands that comprise the park. In reality, there are 6 lands that comprise Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. They are Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Yes; Main Street is considered its own land.

IMG_9159The Mature MouseTM likes to think of Main Street, U.S.A. as Yesterday-land. Like it’s counterpart in Disneyland, Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom depicts Walt Disney’s vision of the quintessential American town, circa 1890-1920. However, Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. does differ in architecture from Disneyland’s.

Most guests do not stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. examining the number of Victorian-styled buildings, reminiscent of a developing east-coast town. The Imagineers applied forced perspective to create a sense of scale to the buildings. Reducing the scale of the second and third levels creates an optical illusion, so the buildings appear to be larger, grander. Imagineers apply this optical illusion throughout the Disney Parks, not just on Main Street, U.S.A.

The next time you are in Magic Kingdom, stand in Town Square, directly in front of the Walt Disney World Railroad and look down Main Street at Cinderella’s Castle. The use of forced perspective creates the illusion that the street is longer and the buildings are taller than they are in actuality.

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IMG_8880Just the opposite happens when you look down Main Street from the Hub in front of the castle. The Walt Disney World Railroad was not built using forced perspective. This sets up the illusion that Main Street is shorter during your exit from the park. Why did the Imagineers design the architecture of Main Street in this way? Well, think about it. You enter the park excited to be there and full of enthusiasm. However, even after the best of days in Magic Kingdom, most of us are tired and eager to exit the park.

During your next visit to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom remember that Main Street is a land unto itself. Take some time to appreciate all the nuances created by the Imagineers, while taking a trip back to an American town of yesterday.

For more information about Main Street in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, The Mature MouseTM recommends listening to Lou Mongello’s recent podcast 10 Secrets You Never Knew About Main Street, U.S.A. If you have not previously had the opportunity to hear the WDW Radio podcasts, Lou never sticks to just 10.

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Sample Logo Merchandise
Please use this link to visit The Mature Mouse™ store for logo merchandise. Many of the items would make great gifts for the Disney fan in your life.

Make sure you consult Jennie Nowers about your next Disney vacation. She will assist you in all your vacation planning. Tell her that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift from Jennie with your next booking.

Country Bear Jamboree: A Walt Disney Classic

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I have been AWOL from this blog for some time. My apologies! Life will, at times, throw you a curve ball or two. Thank you very much for sticking with me through the gaps in posts.

The Mature MouseTM enjoys those experiences in Walt Disney World that are connected, in some way, to Walt himself. There are not many types of those attractions in the Florida resort. Walt was involved in the design and development of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, which was the first audio-animatronic show. It debuted inIMG_9166 1963 at Disneyland Park. Carousel of Progress and It’s a Small World were created, under Walt’s guidance, for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Country Bear Jamboree is another classic attraction Walt was involved in before his passing.
According to Disney.com, “Country Bear Jamboree is one of the very last attractions that Walt Disney personally helped develop before his passing. Originally slated for a never-built Disney ski resort in Mineral King, California, the show with the singing bears happily moved out to Florida in 1971. The bears have been performing daily at Magic Kingdom park ever since.”

IMG_9174Country Bear Jamboree is marketed as “The Wildest Show in the Wilderness.” I experienced this timeless attraction for the first time during my previous solo trip in April, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The attraction is housed in a rustic cabin, called “Grizzly Hall,” off the main street through Frontierland. The waiting area is air conditioner, always a plus at Walt Disney World. The theatre area is comprised of five stages, each framed by well-themed carvings.

IMG_9169The hillbilly cast of bears performs a funny musical revue that relies heavily on the “country-western” theme of that area of Magic Kingdom. This is a family-friendly show with a sense of humor geared toward children and adults.

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Sample Merchandise

Please use this link to visit The Mature Mouse™ store for logo merchandise. Many of the items would make great gifts for the Disney fan in your life.

Make sure you consult Jennie Nowers about your next Disney vacation. She will assist you in all your vacation planning. Tell her that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift from Jennie with your next booking.

 

 

The Magic of Disney’s Tinker Bell

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During my IMG_18542015 solo trip, The Mature MouseTM had the pleasure of meeting Mickey Mouse. My inner child leapt for joy, as the adult could not stop smiling. I set out on this recent solo trip with the goal of meeting many more Disney characters; to bring joy to my inner child.

The Mature MouseTM had the opportunity of meeting the magical pixie known as Tinker Bell. The pixie was friendly during this meeting, greeting The Mature MouseTM as one of the lost boys. Tink then asked me if I had stolen pirate’s treasure in my backpack. Later that evening, Tinker Bell was seen flying across the hub, from atop Cinderella’s Castle.

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The Disney Corporation may have all started with a mouse, but Tinker Bell has become the icon for the magic of Disney. According to the History of Tinker Bell, after her appearance in Disney’s 1953 animation classic, this little fairy “went on to be featured in many Walt Disney ventures. [Tinker Bell] made appearances on television in the show Disneyland, which was [created] to promote the new theme park Walt Disney was [working] to complete. In addition, she appeared on Walt Disney Presents, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, and finally, The Wonderful World of Disney.” These were new venues for the Disney Corporation. Although Mickey Mouse often made appearances, he was not the symbol of Walt’s new enterprises. If these new ventures failed, Walt Disney did not want Mickey to fail with them. Tinker Bell, as one of the newer Disney’s characters, was expendable.

Screen Shot 2016-05-17 at 3.40.13 PMPeter Pan tells Wendy, John, and Michael that they, too, can fly. All it takes is faith, trust, and just a little bit of pixie dust. From her first appearance in Disney’s Peter Pan, Tinker Bell has become a delightful success. She has helped to keep the magic of Disney soaring toward the second star to the right.

IMG_2098-0Please use this link to visit The Mature Mouse™ store for logo merchandise. Many of the items would make great gifts for the Disney fan in your life.

Make sure you consult Jennie Nowers about your next Disney vacation. She will assist you in all your vacation planning. Tell her that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift from Jennie with your next booking.

 

 

Muppet*Vision 3D In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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IMG_7188The Mature MouseTM has been a fan of The Muppets since their original television show, which aired from 1976 to 1981. The show’s humor appealed to kids and adults, alike. I never missed an episode and was such a dedicated fan that I often thought of them as real “people.” There was one evening I caught myself trying to read the “lips” of the characters because I had the sound turned off to take a phone call.

Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and the other puppeteers breathed life into each of the unique creatures in the Muppet realm. Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear are some of my favorite Muppets. Whacka, Whacka! And, of course, there is the Swedish Chef. Being Swedish, I knew this character was a satirical stereotype, but was not the least bit offended. I saw the Swedish Chef as homage to all things Scandinavian.

Muppet*Vision 3D was created by Jim Henson and added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1991. This was among the last projects Henson worked on before his death. The Disney Corporation officially welcomed The Muppets in 2004. There were plans to add attractions, restaurants, and shops themed around these creatures. However, nothing ever came of those plans.IMG_7191

under mat

Muppet*Vision 3D features the same characters as the original television show and the feature movies, as well as the same chaos and disaster. The Mature MouseTM makes it a point to enjoy this attraction during my visits to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I strongly recommend taking a moment to explore the cue. The Imagineers put a lot of time and effort into the theming of this area. Always look under the mat for the key.

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Whether or not Muppet*Vision 3D, or even the Muppet characters, will have a place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after the extensive refurbishment is unknown at the time of the writing of this post. I am sure the popularity, or lack thereof, of The Muppets, a new show on ABC, which is owned by Disney, will have an impact on the future of the Muppets at Walt Disney World.

Please use the link to visit The Mature Mouse™ store for logo merchandise. Many of the items would make great additions to your vacation gear and attire.IMG_1655

And, make sure you consult Jennie Nowers about your next Disney vacation. Tell her that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift from Jennie with your next booking.

Details of Disney Magic

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The Mature MouseTM visits Walt Disney World because it is more than a theme park. A tour of a Disney Park is an intensive experience. Plans for Disney Hollywood Studios, announced at the recent D23, reflect the Imagineers plans for intensifying that experience.

During my recent trip to Disney World, I took some time to capture some of those details in the various parks. The magic of a Disney Park is imbedded in those features; it is the quality that makes a Disney Park more than just another theme park. Imagineers went to great lengths to design an atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. This attention to detail surrounds you at Disney’s resorts, four theme parks, and 2 water parks.

Below are images from my recent visit to Walt Disney World. You should also visit The Theme Park Tourist to read their list of  10 Absurdly Intricate Details at Walt Disney World That Most People Never Notice.

IMG_2018Please visit The Mature MouseTM store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. This baseball hat is just one of the featured items available through the store. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. Are you a Mature Mouse™?

A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip, and will assist you in choosing the right resort for your stay at Walt Disney World. I started planning my recent trip by calling Jennie Nowers. When Cool Summer Savings was released, Jennie was up early applying these savings to my trip, which saved me 15% on the price of my resort stay. I did not need to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next booking.

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Liberty Square Street in Magic Kingdom
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Tangled Restroom in Magic Kingdom
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Tangled rest area in Magic Kingdom
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Harambe Village in Anima Kingdom
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Harambe Village in Anima Kingdom
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Morocco in World Showcase
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Morocco in World Showcase
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Mexico in World Showcase 
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Germany in World Showcase
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Streets of America in Hollywood Studios
Yacht & Beach Club
Yacht & Beach Club

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

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The Mature Mouse™ hopes to convince more middle-aged travelers to see the enjoyment and value of a Walt Disney World vacation. One of the key ingredients in any type of vacation is your home base, the resort you decide to call home during your trip. I recommend staying on Disney property at one of their numerous resorts, priced to fit any budget, and themed to fit your style and comfort. A resort should be more than just a place to sleep, and your time at Walt Disney World should not be spent roaming the parks from open to close. I must confess that The Mature Mouse™ did not follow his own advice during my last trip. I choose a resort based on budget and simply as a place to crash after each exhausting day. However, I did make sure that I chose a resort that offered certain perks and amenities that I would enjoy.

IMG_7795It has been a little over a month since The Mature Mouse™ returned from my trip to Walt Disney World. I have briefly mentioned Disney’s Pop Century Resort in past posts. I have included links to those pages below. However, I realized that I have not dedicated an entire post to a review of this value resort.

Previous references to Disney’s Pop Century Resort:

IMG_7793As I stated earlier, I chose the Pop Century for this trip for two specific reasons. As a value resort, this Disney motel fit into my budget for this trip. And, the theme of this resort reflects the first 50 years of my life.

Did you notice that I referred to this Disney Resort as a motel? Although extremely large in area and capacity, Pop Century is built like motel; you enter your room from the outside of the building, not from interior corridors. Except for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, all the other value resorts are constructed this way.
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The balconies are decorated with images representing the pop culture of a specific decade. These images are of the two buildings in the section representing the 1960s. At the center of these two buildings is the Hippy Dippy Pool.

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My travel agent booked me a preferred room, meaning it was closer to registration, central pool, food court, and park busses. This convenience cost a few more dollars a night. IMG_7312My room could use some updating. The beds were comfortable, but not exceptional, tiles and grout are worn, as are the rugs.IMG_7775
However, rugs and wallpaper feature hidden Mickeys.
IMG_7790Disney’s Pop Century features an exceptional food court, one of the best on property. There are hot and cold dishes, most made to order, as well as assorted snack choices. There is plenty of room to dine in the food court area, and you can always bring your meals outside to the pool areas, or back to the room. There is also a gift shop on site, offering many of the items one would find in the parks.IMG_1838 This would also be the place to pick up items bought in the parks and shipped back to your room.

IMG_7794Disney transportation busses are dedicated to Pop Century, meaning that they will not stop at multiple resorts traveling to and from the parks. However, Pop Century busses traveling to and from Animal Kingdom will also stop at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. As with all the other Disney resorts, there are well-marked waiting areas for the busses. However, the lines are not covered, which can be brutal on those hot and humid Florida days, or during one of the daily downpours.

IMG_7160Guests staying at Pop Century can cross Hourglass Lake, via Generation Gap Bridge, to visit Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Although it is in the value category, the cost per night at this resort is higher than the other value resorts. You are allowed to eat at the AoA food court, which is also exceptional, as well as use the pools. Knowing that Pop and Art are sister resorts affords you some flexibility in transportation. One could take a park bus to the Art of Animation and walk across the bridge to POP very easily. Although, if you are like me, you will usually return from the parks exhausted and not want a longer walk to your room.

IMG_7158 IMG_7159Overall, The Mature Mouse™ recommends Disney’s Pop Century in the value resort category. Although adults can appreciate the theming of the resort, it is geared more toward families with kids. I can only speak from my experience; the rooms could use some updating. However, the resort worked for me as a place to crash after a long day in the parks. I am in the process of planning a student trip to Walt Disney World for next April and this is the resort I have chosen for our stay.

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Follow this link to the unofficial fan site of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

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A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip, and will assist you in choosing the right resort for your stay at Walt Disney World. I started planning my recent trip by calling Jennie Nowers. When Cool Summer Savings was released, Jennie was up early applying these savings to my trip, which saved me 15% on the price of my resort stay. I did not have to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next booking

IMG_7405Please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. This baseball hat is just one of the featured items available through the store. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. I am a Mature Mouse™, are you?